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EY1 mentioned in Rockies' search for skipper

EY1 mentioned in Rockies' search for skipper

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Former Rockies outfielder Eric Young Sr. (right) was D-backs first-base coach in 2011-12.

By Thomas Harding
/
MLB.com |

DENVER -- The Rockies' search for a manager, which has reached the stage of formal interviews with four finalists, also included talks with two other candidates: former D-backs first-base coach Eric Young Sr., one of the Rockies' early stars; and Steve Buechele, manager of the Rangers' Double-A affiliate in Frisco, Texas, a source with knowledge of the talks told MLB.com on Monday.

Rockies owner and CEO Dick Monfort, general manager Dan O'Dowd and senior vice president of Major League operations Bill Geivett interviewed D-backs third-base coach Matt Williams on Monday at Coors Field. Others to have formal interviews with the decision-making troika at Coors, and thus considered finalists, are Rockies bench coach Tom Runnells, longtime standout first baseman Jason Giambi and Regis Jesuit High School baseball coach Walt Weiss, who spent part of his long playing career with the Rockies.

There was no indication that Buechele or Young, who played for Rockies as an outfielder 1993-97 and has a son on the current squad (Eric Young Jr.), will receive more extensive interviews. However, the interest the Rockies showed in them puts them on the radar for future career advancement.

The D-backs announced after this past season that Young, who had spend two years on the team's coaching staff, would not return. Before joining the D-backs, Young was a roving baserunning and outfield instructor with the Astros.

Buechele spent most of his 11-season playing career as an infielder with the Rangers, and he is prominent in several of the club's all-time statistical categories. Buechele has managed for four seasons, one at Class A Bakersfield and three at Frisco.

The Rockies' search has also included talks with former White Sox and Mets manager Jerry Manuel and former Phillies bench coach Pete Mackanin, who has been interim manager with the Pirates and Reds in recent years.

No timetable has been set on the Rockies' decision, but it could occur sometime this week.